How Trump officials created ‘nuclear option’ against protesters in church

Critics say administration has overstepped authority in using 1994 law to prosecute protesters and journalists

When dozens of protesters interrupted a church service in St Paul, Minnesota, earlier this year, it revived a fierce yet enduring debate about whether places of worship are appropriate arenas for dissent.

In demanding the resignation of a pastor who leads a local Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office, demonstrators chanted ICE out" and Hands up, don't shoot!" at Cities church on 18 January. Religious and political leaders condemned the action, fueled by the church's statement that protesters had frightened children and created a scene marked by intimidation and threat".